Seven Questions with Michael Cronan, designer and creator of the name "TiVo" and the mascot

Seven Questions with Michael Cronan, designer and creator of the name "TiVo" and the mascot:

"Through a totally random sequence of events where a friend of a friend met someone at a party, I ended up talking to Michael Cronan of Cronan Design. Michael is noted for coming up with the name 'TiVo' and mascot concept that they're still using successfully in 2005.

He was kind enough to take the time to answer my questions about the process that came up with 'TiVo' and how the name has worked ever since. Matt Haughey, PVRblog: Take us back to the very beginning of the project.

Before TiVo had a name or mascot, how was the project described to you when you began? Did they have a pretty good idea of the total features or was it pitched as just a 'tapeless VCR?' Michael Cronan, Cronan Design: Mike [Ramsay, former CEO of TiVo -- ed.] invited me to his home one afternoon to discuss the project. I'd created the color-name series concept for the computers Indigo and Crimson for his group at Silicon Graphics, as well as worked with him on the Silicon Studio project, the school SGI established to train animators on their technology.

The project code name was Teleworld. It was initially a 'smart house' concept; a robust disc drive that would control features and functions in the home, including entertainment. I thought that the entertainment component"